Video: how to check your car'southward engine oil

Running low on engine oil is an easy enough oversight to brand, but information technology'due south a mistake that could terminate upwards costing you in the long run if information technology leads to lasting engine damage.

And in fact, checking your fluid levels is 1 of the simplest bits of motorcar maintenance you tin practise.

To help keep your fluid levels salubrious, and your motorcar on the road, nosotros've put together our quick guide on how to check your engine oil.

Guide contents

  • How do I bank check engine oil?
  • What should my engine oil level be?
  • What colour should my engine oil be?
  • When should I cheque my oil level?
  • Which is the best oil for my car?
  • Where should I check my oil level?
  • Why should I bank check my engine oil level?

Up to £75 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card*

Up to £75 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card*

How do I check engine oil?

When checking your engine oil, follow these elementary steps:

  1. Ensure your vehicle'due south parked on level ground and your engine is cool.
  2. Open up your bonnet and locate the dipstick. If you're unsure where this is, bank check your user manual. Your motorcar may not have a dipstick – some modern cars are fitted with electronic oil monitors.
  3. Once you've found the dipstick, pull it out and wipe off all the oil with a cloth or rag. You lot should notice two marks on the dipstick itself, identifying the minimum and maximum oil levels.
  4. When it's clean, put the dipstick dorsum into its tube, pushing information technology all the mode back in. Let information technology sit and and then remove it again.
  5. If the level is halfway between the minimum and maximum levels on the dipstick you don't need to add any oil. If it'southward beneath halfway, you lot may want to add some oil. If information technology's below the minimum mark, you need to add together oil.
  6. If you exercise need to top up, make certain you lot have the correct oil for your motorcar and locate the oil cap on your engine – usually marked with the picture of an oil tin can.
  7. Remove the cap and pour in the oil a little at a time, checking the level with the dipstick to ensure you don't pour in as well much, as this can as well cause damage.
  8. Replace the cap and the dipstick and clear upward any oil spills earlier closing the bonnet.

What should my engine oil level be?

At that place is no set up amount of oil that every car needs – it depends on the type and size of your engine. Even so, the dipstick in your car's engine will conspicuously point what your engine's oil level should be.

What color should my engine oil be?

When you lot buy a new bottle of oil, it will be a clear, golden colour that makes information technology expect a lot like syrup (although you lot wouldn't want to pour this onto your pancakes).

When it'due south in an engine, the oil volition quickly change into a nighttime brown color which may seem quite alarming. This is perfectly normal and doesn't mean in that location's annihilation wrong with your engine.

When should I cheque my oil level?

Manufacturers recommend changing your engine oil every 12 months or ix,000 miles, whichever comes sooner, but you should still cheque your engine oil at regular intervals to ensure your machine remains safe to drive.

Yous should check your oil levels when your engine is common cold. Wait at least ten minutes after use before checking to ensure you get an authentic reading and don't accidentally fire yourself on a hot engine.

  • MOT checklist and comprehensive guide
  • Know-how: checking your tyre pressure with video
  • 12 elementary car maintenance checks y'all should definitely exist doing

Which is the best oil for my machine?

Once again, this depends on your vehicle just yous need to brand sure yous employ the correct oil for your automobile, and then as not to harm the engine.

To discover out which oil is right for your car, bank check your handbook or contact the manufacturer, equally it's essential y'all use 1 that meets its technical specifications.

In one case you've identified the correct oil, check out the range of lubricants and oils available at the RAC Shop.

Where should I check my oil level?

Checking your oil levels is a quick and easy process that tin can exist washed hands while your car is parked in your driveway or exterior your home.

If yous have a problem with your oil, or if yous take whatever other issues with your vehicle, contact one of the RAC'south Canonical Garages and book your automobile in to run into a professional person at a garage you lot tin can trust.

Why should I bank check my engine oil level?

The oil in your engine is one of your vehicle'southward most important elements. It keeps all the engine'southward internal parts moving as they should, and stops them from wearing out as well quickly.

If the oil level in your engine drops too low information technology'll cease it from working efficiency causing it to seize up, and could eventually lead to pregnant engine damage if not addressed.

Oil should exist tuckered and refilled annually every bit role of the MOT. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't nevertheless check your levels at regular intervals throughout the year to avoid your engine running low.

Get complete breakdown cover today with the RAC.

As well: Learner driver insurance - from 2 hours to 5 months

Get 30 driving tips that will save you money

Get 30 driving tips that will save you money

*Restrictions apply, see amazon.co.uk/gc-legal. On a fixed programme, max £75 for new customers on Ultimate cover. Ends 08/03/22, 7am.